University of Vermont Extension
Department of Plant and Soil Science

If you do all your shopping at the grocery store or local farmer's
market, you are missing out on some interesting foods, those found in your
own backyard. I'm talking about edible flowers.

Here are some you might want to sample:

APPLE (Malus sp.)--Apple blossoms have a mildly sweet, floral
flavor. These trees grow wild in some parts of the Northeast. If you eat
blossoms from cultivated apples, make sure they havenít been sprayed yet.
They also work well as a pretty pink and white garnish.

BEE BALM (Monarda didyma)--Bee Balm is a hardy perennial. The
red flowers have a minty flavor, as Monarda is a member of the mint family.
Anyone who has grown Bee Balm knows that it is very easy to grow and can
become somewhat invasive in a spot it likes.

CALENDULA (Calendula officinalis)--Calendula is a lovely, self-seeding
annual. The deep yellow or orange petals add a beautiful touch to a green
salad and can also be used as a garnish. Calendula has a slightly bitter
flavor, and it best used with tangier greens.

CHICORY (Cichorium intybus)--Chicory is a common roadside weed
with beautiful periwinkle blue flowers in midsummer. Many people who lived
through the Depression remember making a coffee substitute out of Chicory.
Make sure you don't pick flowers on heavily traveled roads because of the
pollution absorbed by the plant. Chicory has a pleasant, mild-bitter taste
that has been compared to endive.

CHAMOMILE (Chamaemelum nobile)--English Chamomile is a hardy
perennial that prefers moist soil and full sun. The flowers are small and
daisy-like and have a sweet, apple-like flavor. CAUTION: Ragweed sufferers
may also be allergic to Chamomile. It contains thuaone and should be eaten
in moderation.

DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale)--Yes, this is the common weed.
If the yellow flowers are picked young, they have a sweet, honey-like flavor.
Mature flowers are bitter. Do not eat Dandelions from lawns that have been
sprayed! If in doubt, ask or just donít eat them. As you know, Dandelions
will grow just about anywhere.

DAYLILY (Hemerocallis fulva)--Daylilies, which are hardy, indestructible
perennials, have lovely blossoms in many shades. Their flavor is a combination
of asparagus and zucchini. Some people think that different colored blossoms
have different flavors. They make a nice garnish and may be stuffed for
hors-deuvres or made into fritters.

DIANTHUS (Dianthus sp.)--Dianthus, or pinks as they are sometimes
called, are annuals or hardy perennials that prefer sandier soils and full
sun. The spicy, clove-like flavor is more intense in some species. D.
caryophyllus, a tender perennial grown usually as an annual, is reported
to have great flavor. Always remove the white-colored base of the petal,
as it may be bitter.

ELDERBERRY (Sambucus canadensis)--Elderberry is a large shrub
or small tree that grows wild in many parts of the Northeast. The blossoms
are a creamy color and have a sweet flavor. The fruit is used to make wine.
CAUTION: All other parts of this plant are poisonous! Do not even eat the
stems of the flowers!

LAVENDER (Lavendula sp.)--Lavender is a beautiful and wonderful
smelling perennial or small shrub depending on where you live. The flowers
are lavender, of course, and have a perfumed flavor. The flavor may be
very intense, so use them sparingly. Lavender prefers a light, well-drained
soil and full sun.

LILAC (Syringa vulgaris)--The common Lilac, a familiar shrub
sometimes seen growing next to abandoned farmhouses (and in yards everywhere)
is remarkably hardy and easy to grow. An added bonus is the beautiful purple
or white "lilac-scented" flowers in late May and June. The flowers, which
have a delicate floral flavor, make a beautiful garnish or can be added
to vanilla frozen yogurt for a treat.

MINT (Mentha sp.)--Mints are clean-smelling, hardy perennials.
Members of the mint family are characterized by their square stems. The
flavor of the flowers is minty, with different overtones depending on the
variety. Other members of the mint family with edible flowers are Bee Balm
(mentioned above) and Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis).

ROSE (Rosa sp.)--Roses can be shrubs or climbers. Some are hardy,
some are not. They all prefer rich soil and full sun (except for a few
species that will grow in some shade) The beautiful, perfumed flowers,
which come in shades of pink, red, yellow, or white, have a perfumed flavor.
It is important to remove the sour petal base.

SCENTED GERANIUM (Pelargonium sp.)--This is a tender perennial
usually grown for its scented leaves. Scented geraniums come in many "flavors,"
ranging from rose to nutmeg to lemon and mint. The flowers may be white,
pink, red, or purple and resemble the flowers of the annual ivy-leaved
Pelargonium. The flower flavor generally corresponds to the variety. For
example, a lemon-scented geranium would have lemon-scented flowers.

SQUASH BLOSSOMS (Cucrbita pepo sp.)--The blossoms of the annual
squash plant are a vibrant yellow color and possess a mild vegetable flavor.
They prefer soil enriched with organic matter and full sun. Squash blossoms,
like daylilies, may be stuffed or made into fritters.

SWEET WOODRUFF (Galium odoratum)--Sweet Woodruff is a spreading,
groundcover perennial with pretty, star-shaped white flowers in early May.
The flower flavor is sweet and grassy with a hint of vanilla. Sweet Woodruff
prefers partial to full shade and rich soil.

Remember that flowers aren't just appealing to the eyes or nose any
more. Many are edible and can be used to add a "touch of spice" to your
everyday dishes.